Select a good quality fabric.

Always cut off selvage edges.

Allow 3 inches - 4 inches on each side of design for finishing.

To figure the proper direction to work if the selvage has been cut from the canvas, unravel a thread from adjoining sides - the wavy threads should be the vertical threads (warp), the straighter threads are the horizontal ones (weft).

When binding your canvas, put a different color of tape on the top so you will not have to mark your canvas and will always know where the top is.

NEVER mark stitchery fabrics or canvas with pencil or water color pens.  They will bleed onto the material and discolor yarns.

To avoid the marks of embroidery hoops, pad the inner ring of your hoop.  Use narrow strips of fabric, or bias tape and just wind them around - securing the end with a few stitches.